Clavamox is a broad spectrum canine antibiotic and, like many other medicines, has side effects. According to Dr. Mark Papich, DVM and consultant at petplace.com, veterinarians prescribe clavamox to prevent and treat bacterial infections. Clavamox works by preventing bacteria from replicating and traveling throughout the body. Owners who give pets clavamox need to be mindful of the animal's reaction to this drug.
-
Vomiting
-
About 10 percent of dogs who take clavamox begin vomiting. Dr. Papich advises feeding the dog prior to dosing to ease any irritation in the stomach. If the vomiting continues after making this change, call the veterinarian.
Drug Interactions
-
Clavamox can interfere with other medicines your dog may be taking. Dr. Papich recommends discussing your dog's other meds with the veterinarian, since clavamox is known to interact with drugs like chloramphenicol and tetracycline.
Loose Stools
-
Giving dogs antibiotics like clavamox changes the bacterial colonies that live and function in his digestive tract. These changes sometimes cause diarrhea or loose stools. This condition usually subsides during the course of treatment, but if your pet has diarrhea as a result of clavamox, Dr. Denis Bergeron, DVM at Park Animal Hospital, recommends calling the veterinarian.
Drug Allergies
-
Dogs that have allergies to penicillin should not get clavamox. Call your veterinarian immediately if your dog has changes in breathing because that could be a signal of allergic reaction, according to the science writers at the vetinfo.com website. Other symptoms of allergic reaction include fever, skin rash and facial swelling.
-